Hotel-Inspired Citrus Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy yet refreshing soup with a zesty citrus twist, ideal for a cozy dinner or light lunch. This asian-inspired soups ready in about 70 minutes pairs cubed Butternut squash, medium, diced Carrots, small, diced Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add butternut squash, carrots, and 2 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: Blend the mixture in a blender until smooth, then stir in coconut milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hotel-Inspired Citrus Soup take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hotel-Inspired Citrus Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed butternut squash from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hotel-Inspired Citrus Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hotel-Inspired Citrus Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hotel-Inspired Citrus Soup?

Asian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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